The eyes searched someone. The one she could run to at times of need. In someone’s lap, she would pour out all her troubles. Nobody came. She grew up, rimmed her eyes with kohl. But they could never hide her tears. No one came when her soul was ripped apart. No one heard her cries. No one mourned her loss. After a while, she thought that tears were a part of the eyes.

The mere mention of armed forces evokes the image of courage,
bravery and discipline in India. However, in north-east India and Jammu and
Kashmir, the picture is vastly altered. Military force is synonymous with fear,
brutality and suspicion. The main reason behind this contradictory public image
is the “draconian” law, Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. It has vested the
armed forces with absolute power mainly to aid fight against terrorism and
insurgency. Several unprovoked arrests, tortures, rapes and deaths go unnoticed
under the wraps of AFSPA.Unmarked graves have been found in the valley. Fake encounters
and disappearances make headlines. At times,
it is a case of mistaken identity. Violence in Jammu and Kashmir has increased
since implementation of AFSPA in 1990. Similar incidents are reported from the
north-eastern states. Jeevan Reddy Commission (2005) had recommended repealing
AFSPA and bringing a humanitarian law in place. However, no concrete steps have
been taken by th…